Words: Jason Round
Well, well, well, look what we have here. BMW has just unleashed an impression of the next-gen M3 Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show, and personally, we’re still kind of um-ing and ah-ing as to exactly whether we like it or not.
We like the new 3 Series Coupe, yes. We do like the fact the M3 will most likely be powered by one angry eight, yes. And we do like subtle styling, yes, but is this just a wee bit too subtle?
Well, perhaps, but it still looks pretty good all dressed up with suit and tie, and what appears to be a bonnet bulge, revised front air dam and M3 vents. The concept car has also been sprayed up in BMW’s traditional concept paint finish, Chrome Shadow.
Although we mentioned it was subtle, according to BMW, only the doors, boot-lid and lights remain, with everything else either being pushed outwards, cut away or just made to be that wee tiny bit more aggressive in the scheme of things.
The bonnet will be aluminium, and the three large vents in the front bar have been widened further still to anticipate the vacuum-like intake of air the engine is likely to be consuming.
Wheels will be forged 19s in the classic Y-spoke design, along with compound high-performance brakes, though at this stage it’s unknown whether carbon rotors will be an option.
A boot lip spoiler will reduce lift at speed, and a special carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof panel, first seen on the E46-gen M3 CSL, will lower the centre of gravity and thus improve agility.
“The BMW M3 represents the cutting edge of BMW driving superiority, and the concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show is more than a hint of what we can expect to be driving very soon,” said Guenther Seemann, BMW Group Australia Managing Director.
“The new high-revving V8 engine, extra-sleek body styling and the high-technology CFRP roof are the highlights of what will be a scintillating driver’s package.
“The M3 Coupé has driven its way into the hearts of all hard-core driving enthusiasts around the world and in Australia the previous generation sold in excess of 1500 examples, underlining its broad appeal in a market segment it created.”
Business elite rejoice. Your chariot awaits… |
